Penny J. Johnson's Blog, page 115
July 13, 2013
One Good Thing Every Day: July 10, 2013
“Current idols are more subtle than ancient one, because todays false gods are often outside the field of religion.” from Sarah Young’s Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence
July 9, 2013
One Good Thing Every Day: July 9, 2013
“Our individual relationships with the triune God (Father, Son, and Spirit) deepen when we move past our religious routines and enjoy Him expansively.” from Joan C. Webb’s It’s a Wonderful Imperfect Life
One Good Thing Every Day: July 8, 2013
I think every Monday should start with an early morning appointment. The appointment should include children, especially ones requiring being dragged from bedclothes. “Hurry-up” reminders through bathroom and bedroom doors are essential, too. Dogs, who saunter through the entire yard before peeing or who stare perplexed at the “go-potty” command, add to the departure countdown. Leaving twenty minutes late and avoiding three or more detours will ensure a police-defying race to the finish. Brief lectures at stop lights about time management–i.e. the late child missing his appointment slot–and payback–i.e. the late child paying the co-pay from his allowance–will enhance the learning experience. When bursting into the reception area and apologizing for being late, a surprised, smiling receptionist will say, “You aren’t scheduled until tomorrow morning.” Tension-held-breath will be released at the blissful thought of arriving at the coffee shop earlier than expected.
One Good Thing Every Day: July 7, 2013
I admit I felt pride as one of my cousins led worship this morning. When the words on the PowerPoint didn’t match or even project, he quickly adapted. He restarted the hymn. He read directly from his Bible. When it came time to pray, he confessed his own sin of pride when trying to appear as if he has it all together. As he encouraged us to pray and even stand to acknowledge our need for confession and humility before God, I realized how deep the sin of perfectionism runs through our family’s veins. But, I was also reminded of the cleansing power of God’s forgiveness and how He purifies our spiritual DNA, infusing us with His righteousness. I am blessed to be part of my earthly family and humbled to be included in God’s heavenly one.
July 8, 2013
One Good Thing Every Day: July 6, 2013
Before I attended my father’s family reunion, I came across Dana Gioia’s “Reunion” through POETRY Magazine. (Gioia has become a recent favorite poet of mine, and Interrogations at Noon appeared in my Books of the Month: April 2013.)
“Reunion” resonates with me as my father is the youngest of eleven children. As a child, I counted it a great accomplishment when I could name all his siblings in birth order. I can identify all the second cousins by family groups, but classifying the third cousins may be beyond my mental prowess. Good thing my middle son, who has a penchant for memorizing names and dates, enjoys updating the family tree with me!
July 5, 2013
July 3, 2013
Books of the Month: June 2013
Viking Quest Series by Lois Walfrid Johnson: My youngest son and I are enjoying reading this series together. Raiders of the Sea begins the story of Bree, a young Irish girl, and her capture by Viking raiders. As she struggles to escape from their fourteen-year-old leader, Mikkel, she finds strength in her fellow captives and her deep faith. In Mystery of the Silver Coins, Bree continues to struggle to find a way back to Ireland while having to prove to Mikkel that she did not steal his bag of silver coins. The Kindle price for all five books is extremely reasonable.
The Eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff: We are studying the first book in Sutcliff’s Roman Britain Trilogy over the summer using the study guide from Progeny Press. I recommend reading it aloud to middle school children, then have them read each chapter independently while working through the study guide. It is an excellent historical fiction account of courage and determination as the main character, Marcus, searches for the symbol of his father’s lost legion.
Deception on His Mind by Elizabeth George: George’s Inspector Lynley series continues with a recuperating Barbara Havers mixed-up in a mystery outside her jurisdiction. But, will Barbara survive the scrutiny of her superiors and save not just her career by the life of a friend?
Pity the Beautiful by Dana Gioia: I recommend more than one read of this poignant, personal collection of Gioia’s poetry. Stunning!
